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Bab El Had (Sunday Gate) Square, Rabat
Bab El Had, also known as the "Sunday Gate," is one of Rabat’s most vibrant and historically significant sites. As one of the five original gates built within the fortified walls of Old Rabat, Bab El Had has stood the test of time, retaining its grandeur and purpose. Unlike the other gates, which have become mere historical landmarks, Bab El Had continues to function as a passage, offering access to the southwestern tip of the Medina.
This 12th-century Almohad gate is a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan architecture, adorned with intricate ornaments and grand arches that reflect the city's rich past. The name "Sunday Gate" originates from the bustling Sunday Market that once took place nearby, reinforcing the gate’s long-standing role as a commercial and social hub. Today, the lively square surrounding Bab El Had is a meeting place for locals and visitors alike, filled with street vendors, artisans, and small eateries that capture the essence of Rabat’s daily life.
Just steps away from the gate is the Marché Central, Rabat’s largest and most renowned food and flower market. This bustling marketplace offers a sensory feast, where the fragrance of fresh blooms mingles with the rich aromas of Moroccan spices and produce. Additionally, within one of Bab El Had’s gate chambers, visitors can explore a captivating photo exhibition that provides a glimpse into the historical and cultural fabric of the area.
Bab El Had Square remains a dynamic and authentic part of Rabat’s urban landscape. Whether you’re admiring the beautifully preserved gate, exploring the lively market, or simply soaking in the daily rhythm of the Medina, this landmark offers an unforgettable experience. It serves as both a historical treasure and a gateway to the rich culture of Morocco’s capital.
This 12th-century Almohad gate is a masterpiece of traditional Moroccan architecture, adorned with intricate ornaments and grand arches that reflect the city's rich past. The name "Sunday Gate" originates from the bustling Sunday Market that once took place nearby, reinforcing the gate’s long-standing role as a commercial and social hub. Today, the lively square surrounding Bab El Had is a meeting place for locals and visitors alike, filled with street vendors, artisans, and small eateries that capture the essence of Rabat’s daily life.
Just steps away from the gate is the Marché Central, Rabat’s largest and most renowned food and flower market. This bustling marketplace offers a sensory feast, where the fragrance of fresh blooms mingles with the rich aromas of Moroccan spices and produce. Additionally, within one of Bab El Had’s gate chambers, visitors can explore a captivating photo exhibition that provides a glimpse into the historical and cultural fabric of the area.
Bab El Had Square remains a dynamic and authentic part of Rabat’s urban landscape. Whether you’re admiring the beautifully preserved gate, exploring the lively market, or simply soaking in the daily rhythm of the Medina, this landmark offers an unforgettable experience. It serves as both a historical treasure and a gateway to the rich culture of Morocco’s capital.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rabat. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Bab El Had (Sunday Gate) Square on Map
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Sight Name: Bab El Had (Sunday Gate) Square
Sight Location: Rabat, Morocco (See walking tours in Rabat)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Rabat, Morocco (See walking tours in Rabat)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Rabat, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Rabat
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rabat is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rabat Shopping Walk
Rabat is heaven for those who love shopping. Indeed, the abundance of shopping opportunities – traditional markets and shopping streets – in this city gives no reason to doubt that. There you can find all kinds of oriental delights you can possibly think of.
One of Rabat's top shopping destinations is Consuls Street (rue des Consuls). Steeped in a 500-year history, this street houses... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
One of Rabat's top shopping destinations is Consuls Street (rue des Consuls). Steeped in a 500-year history, this street houses... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Rabat Introduction Walking Tour
Resting on the shores of the Bouregreg River and Atlantic Ocean, the capital city of Morocco, Rabat, is known for its picturesque natural surroundings, much as for its man-made beauty manifested in a mix of old and new architecture (featuring Islamic and French-colonial styles), abundance of mosques and historic monuments. The Medina (Old City) of Rabat is a World Heritage Site.
Rabat was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rabat was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles